A Slow Fashion Movement in a Fast Fashion Culture
While half the world burns, and the other half floods, it would be impossible to ignore the devastating impacts of climate change. We know how to recycle, and all about pollution, but one thing that isn’t talked about enough is the impact of our clothes on the planet.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world
Today, we’re exploring the world of sustainable fashion choices. Not only is it a great way to stay on trend, but it’s also a chance to raise awareness and play an active role in promoting responsible consumer behaviour.
What is sustainable fashion? Fast Vs Slow
Sustainable fashion or slow fashion refers to clothing and accessories that are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Or simply clothing that already exists.
It is an important alternative to the detrimental effects of fast fashion, which has severe environmental and social impacts. Fast fashion’s focus on producing cheap clothing leads to poor-quality items that don’t last long, leaving consumers with limited options for reselling or donating.
Consequently, many end up discarding these clothes, which do not readily degrade, further contributing to clothing waste. On the other hand, some consumers find it challenging to opt for expensive clothing due to the high cost of living. Therefore, finding a balance between affordability and sustainability becomes crucial in making conscious fashion choices.
Fast fashion and its consequences
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive clothing, designed to follow the latest fashion trends. While it allows for quick and affordable access to new styles, it comes with several concerning consequences for both the environment and society:
High Resource Consumption: Fast fashion relies on the intensive use of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. The production of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, is particularly resource-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions and pollution.
Exploitative Labour Practices: In pursuit of low production costs, fast fashion brands often outsource manufacturing to countries with lax labour regulations. This can lead to exploitative working conditions, low wages, and long working hours for garment workers.
Pollution and Chemical Use: The fashion industry is a significant contributor to water pollution. Fast fashion brands often use toxic chemicals in fabric dyeing and finishing processes, contaminating water sources and harming aquatic life.
Microplastics: Many fast fashion garments are made from synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics during washing. These microplastics eventually end up in rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine ecosystems.
Landfill Overflow: The short lifespan of fast fashion items means that vast quantities end up in landfills yearly. Synthetic fabrics can take hundreds of years to decompose, adding to the environmental burden.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The fast fashion supply chain, from production to transportation, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
Statistics on Clothing Waste:
- According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces around 2.1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
- The World Bank estimates that the fashion industry generates 20% of global wastewater due to dyeing and finishing processes.
- In the United States, the average person throws away approximately 36 kilograms (81 pounds) of clothing per year, contributing to the growing textile waste problem.
- The UK sends around 360,000 tons of used clothing to landfills each year, with only a fraction being recycled or donated.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester are estimated to release up to 730,000 microplastic particles per wash, polluting waterways and oceans worldwide.
- The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe reports that the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water, using around 79 billion cubic meters annually.
- Fast fashion has caused a 60% increase in clothing purchases per person globally from 2000 to 2014, leading to more waste and environmental impacts.
These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the environmental consequences of fast fashion and the need for more sustainable and responsible practices within the fashion industry.
So what can we do to help?
Changing the way we shop/Where to shop?
Changing the way we shop has become crucial in the U.K. as consumers seek more sustainable and ethical alternatives. Secondhand shopping and online vintage stores have been gaining popularity, offering eco-conscious options for fashion enthusiasts.
While charity shops for second-hand clothing can be found on the high street, dedicated thrift stores are virtually nonexistent. As a result, online vintage fashion stores have become the go-to destinations for those looking to embrace the thrifting culture in the U.K. Platforms like eBay, Depop, and Vinted have emerged as thriving hubs for pre-worn treasures, where fashion-forward individuals can discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces while reducing their environmental impact.
Making Sustainable Fashion Choices
Making sustainable fashion choices starts with conscious consumerism.
Consider these tips to assess the sustainability of clothing when you next make a purchase.
Material Composition: Check the clothing’s label for information on the material composition. Opt for garments made from natural and sustainable fibres like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, or bamboo, as they have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials.
Certifications and Labels: Look for certifications or eco-labels on the clothing, such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX, which indicate that the item meets certain environmental and ethical standards.
Durability and Quality: Assess the garment’s quality and craftsmanship. Choose items that are well-made and designed to last, as they will have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Versatility and Timelessness: Opt for versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and are suitable for various occasions. Timeless designs ensure that the clothing remains in style for a longer time, reducing the impact of fast-changing trends.
Seasonal Versatility: Consider whether the clothing item can be worn throughout different seasons. Versatile pieces that can be layered or adapted to various weather conditions are more sustainable than highly seasonal items.
Impact of Dyes and Chemicals: If the garment is dyed, check if the brand uses eco-friendly or low-impact dyes. Avoid items with heavy chemical treatments, as they can be harmful to both the environment and your skin.
Packaging and Shipping: Consider the clothing item’s packaging and shipping practices. Brands that use minimal, eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping methods contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Collecting your order from a click-and-collect point will take more delivery vans off the roads.
End-of-Life Options: Evaluate the potential end-of-life options for the clothing item. Choose items that are either biodegradable or recyclable, so they have a lower impact on the environment when it’s time to part with them.
Clothing Care and Repair to extend garment lifespan
Sustainable fashion also means embracing the value of each piece of clothing to preserve its longevity.
Here are some tips on clothing care and repair to extend the lifespan of your clothes.
Mindful Storage Solutions: Opt for eco-friendly storage options such as using breathable fabric bags or recycled cardboard boxes to store your clothing. Avoid plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew growth.
Natural Fabric Softeners: Ditch commercial fabric softeners and opt for natural alternatives like white vinegar or wool dryer balls. These not only soften your clothes but also reduce static and eliminate the need for single-use dryer sheets.
Customisable Patches and Embroidery: Give your worn-out clothes a new lease on life by adding customisable patches or embroidery. You can get creative and turn small tears or stains into fashionable design elements, making each piece unique.
Reinvent with Dyeing: Transform faded or stained clothing by experimenting with fabric dyeing techniques. Tie-dye, ombre, or dip-dye your garments to create a fresh, trendy look and disguise imperfections.
Reverse Washing: For certain delicate garments, try reverse washing — turning them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This helps reduce friction on the outer fabric and preserves the colour and print.
Strategic Spot Cleaning: Instead of washing an entire garment, strategically spot clean stains or small soiled areas using a natural stain remover or mild soap. This saves water and energy, preserving the overall quality of the fabric.
Learn Basic Sewing Skills: Empower yourself with basic sewing skills to mend minor rips, loose hems, or missing buttons. Online tutorials and sewing kits make it easy to repair your clothes and prevent them from ending up in landfills prematurely.
Freeze to Freshen: Not everything needs washing after one use. Items like jeans or outerwear can be freshened by placing them in the freezer for a few hours, killing odour-causing bacteria.
Repurpose into New Items: Get creative and repurpose old clothing items into new accessories or household items. Turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags, or transform worn-out jeans into stylish denim shorts.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
You can build a stylish eco-friendly wardrobe by investing in versatile, timeless pieces made from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled plastics. These materials not only reduce your carbon footprint but also add a touch of natural elegance to your look.
Look for clothing featuring eco-prints or dyed with natural colours derived from plants, fruits, or flowers. These garments showcase the beauty of sustainable fashion and promote traditional dyeing techniques. garment and minimising the demand for new resource-intensive fabrics. Experiment with DIY natural dyeing using kitchen scraps like avocado pits, onion skins, or eucalyptus leaves. It’s a fun and sustainable way to breathe new life into old clothing or upcycle thrift finds.
Support brands that use zero-waste pattern-making techniques. These innovative designs maximise fabric usage, leaving little to no waste behind during the production process.
Ethical Manufacturing
Ethical manufacturing refers to the production of goods in a way that ensures fair treatment of workers, promotes safe working conditions, and operates transparently throughout the supply chain.
Manufacturing goes beyond labour considerations and also focuses on reducing the environmental impact of production processes. Brands should also adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and minimising water consumption.
Ethical brands may also engage in social initiatives to give back to the communities in which they operate. This could involve supporting local projects, and charities, or investing in education and healthcare for workers and their families.
Overall, ethical manufacturing is an essential aspect of creating a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. By supporting brands that prioritise fair labour practices and transparency, consumers can play an active role in promoting positive change and encouraging ethical standards within the global supply chain
Be a part of the slow fashion movement
Together, we can challenge fast fashion and change our consumer behaviour. Be proud of your role as a conscious consumer, making thoughtful choices that respect our planet and its people. Let your wardrobe reflect your values and be a statement of sustainability.
Are you ready to step into the world of conscious style and make a positive impact on our planet?
